WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsTending to cattle the organic way

Tending to cattle the organic way

MADISON (WKOW) -- The products line store coolers everywhere, but being part of the organic label involves a change in herd management.

"It's a whole different way of farming," says Ron Miller of Columbus. He started going organic 15-years ago.

"We're milking about 330 cows," says Miller. "We're one of the largest herds in the state"

"It's a lot like people, it's diet and lifestyle," says Organic Valley staff veterinarian Guy Jodarski. He specializes in prevention as opposed to medication.

"There's wonderful technology out there," says Jodarski. "We're just for appropriate technology and safe technology."

Jodarski says it goes back to natural habits, cattle grazing on land free of chemicals.

"So, in order to have a good diet, they have to have healthy soil and fertile land," adds Jodarski.

"The first year some of crops didn't do so good," says Miller. "We had to learn how to do it organically."

But, Miller strongly believes in the organic way. He says becoming part of a more stable market likely saved his family's way of life.

"We're happy we did," says Miller.

Critics will argue cattle raised the so-called conventional way are just as healthy. The jury is still out, but Jodarski gives organic cows the cleaner bill of health.

"As a personal opinion, yes, the cows last longer, they have less health problems," Jodarski adds.

Research will continue to put the question to the test. Meantime, organic products prove popular. U.S. sales were up nearly 20-percent last year.